Bill Joel Makes Classical Debut on NPR

For immediate release
October 8, 1997

Bill Joel Makes Classical Debut on NPR
NPR's Performance Today Premieres New Composition on Monday, October 13

On Monday, October 13, NPR's award-winning classical music program Performance Today® will broadcast the debut of a classical piano composition by pop star Billy Joel. Recorded in concert last weekend in Seiji Ozawa Hall at Tanglewood in Lenox, MA, this broadcast marks the first time the general public will have a chance to hear Joel's classical efforts.

The new piece, "Reverie", performed by award-winning, Russian-born classical pianist Yuliya Gorenman, represents a significant shift in the career of one of the world's best selling musicians. In a conversation with Performance Today host Martin Goldsmith that is included in the program, Joel discusses his plans to focus attention on composing classical works, rather than popular songs. "I've just found myself getting to a point where I want to say more with the music," he explains. "I've become a better musician as I've gotten older. I've become a better writer as I've gotten older, hopefully. I have to expand on that."

NPR's Performance Today- America's preeminent classical music program - is now celebrating 10 years of unique programming and rapidly expanding listenership. The program features performances recorded in concert across the United States and Europe that are available nowhere else on radio or commercial recordings. Winner of the prestigious ASCAP-Deems Taylor Award for excellence in music broadcasting, NPR's Performance Today is heard by 1.6 million Americans every week on more than 200 public radio stations nationwide.

For local broadcast times, please contact your local NPR member station or call 202-414-2739.

National Public Radio, a membership organization of 591 public radio stations nationwide, produces and distributes the award-winning programs All Things Considered®, Talk of the Nation®, Weekend Edition® and NPR's Performance Today®.

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